Sounders add Costa Rican defender

Gonzalez, 28, is a member of Costa Rica’s national team and will join the Sounders after completing his duties in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The 6-foot-1, 174-pound veteran has played 59 international games for the Costa Rica national club, including three starts during the 2006 World Cup.

His addition could further solidify the Sounders’ backline as he has played left back and would presumably challenge Tyson Wahl at that position for Seattle.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Sounders said Gonzalez’s signing will be finalized upon receipt of his work permit and International Clearance.

“It’s nice to have to have a naturally left-footed player. He can play left back, play center back in a pinch, and he can also play wide and run the whole line for us,” said Sounders coach Sigi Schmid. “He is an attacking left fullback with good size and athleticism. He’s very willing to get forward out of a defensive position and does a good job defensively.”

Costa Rica currently leads the final round of 2010 World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF. There are five qualifiers remaining, beginning Aug. 12 at Honduras.

Gonzalez last played for Liberia Mia, newly crowned champion of the Costa Rican first division. Previously he was with Club Sport Herediano, which was runner-up in 2007.